Mailer for cell culture apparatus

ABSTRACT

A mailer for shipping cells contained in a cell culture apparatus, wherein the mailer comprises a containment system that can absorb and contain within the mailer a fluid that may leak from the cell culture apparatus. The containment system comprises an absorbent material that surrounds the cell culture apparatus; a liquid impermeable layer which seals the absorbent material so as to contain the fluid within the mailer; and a leak proof seal formed between a top panel of the mailer and a bottom section of the mailer into which is inserted the cell culture apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to generally to shipping packages; and more particularly to a mailer for shipping cultured cells.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery are generating a need for expanded versatility of applications for manipulating cell cultures, as well as a greater need for efficient and economical growth of cultured cells in high volume. Thus, the demand for cell lines for culturing is rapidly increasing. In medical and scientific research, it is frequently necessary to ship cell lines from one point to another via the postal service. The current standard procedure for shipping a cell line involves freezing the cells in a vial, packing the vial in dry ice inside a packaging container, and shipping the packaging container. There are several disadvantages to shipping with dry ice. First, particularly for smaller laboratories, it is often difficult to obtain dry ice on a regular basis. Additionally, dry ice is costly, and also adds to the net weight, and hence to the cost, of shipping. Also a concern, when shipping packages having packed therein fluid-containing containers, sometimes breakages and spillages can occur due to mishandling in transit between two locations. The requirement is for such package contents to be delivered intact; but if breakage does occur during transit, that the fluids within the package be properly contained within the package so as to avoid damaging other mail.

[0003] Thus, there is a need for a mailer for cell cultures, wherein the mailer makes more efficient use of package space, is less expensive with respect to packing materials and postage, and which contains a spillage of fluid in case breakage occurs during transit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is a primary object of the invention to provide a mailer for shipping cultured cells in a cell culture apparatus via the postal service.

[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a mailer for shipping cultured cells which is relatively more compact, lighter in weight, and less expensive than shipping the cells in dry ice.

[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a mailer for shipping cultured cells, wherein the mailer provides a containment system which can absorb, and contain within the mailer, fluids that leak due to breakage of the cell culture apparatus because of accidents during shipping.

[0007] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mailer for shipping cultured cells, wherein the mailer has a containment system that comprises a large surface area of absorbent material that surrounds a cell culture apparatus, placed in the mailer for shipping, for absorbing fluids in the event of leakage of fluid from the cell culture apparatus.

[0008] Briefly, the invention provides for a reusable mailer which is lightweight, enables a cell culture apparatus to be inserted for shipping and readily removed upon receipt, completely encloses a cell culture apparatus in a large surface area of absorbent material to absorb leaking fluid (cell culture medium or a fluid in which the cells may be stored during shipping) which may result from breakage during transit, and provides further containment of such fluid by sealing the fluid and/or fluid-laden absorbent material by a liquid-impermeable barrier.

[0009] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the mailer according to the present invention for shipping a cell culture apparatus.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken width-wise, of an embodiment of the controlled heater device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, mailer 20, adapted to snugly receive cell culture apparatus 24, for packaging and shipping the cell culture apparatus. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that cells that may be contained in the cell culture apparatus may comprise one or more cell types including, but not limited to, animal cells, insect cells, mammalian cells, human cells, transgenic cells, genetically engineered cells, transformed cells, cell lines, plant cells, anchorage-dependent cells, and anchorage-independent cells, and other eukaryotic cells.

[0013] Cell culture apparatus 24 is described in more detail in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/526006, and continuing applications (the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference). Briefly, the cell culture apparatus is comprised of a frame to which is contacted and secured taut thereto, in a leak-proof sealing arrangement, at least one gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane. In a preferred embodiment, two liquid impermeable membranes are secured thereto, wherein at least one of the membranes is gas-permeable; and more preferably, both membranes are gas permeable. The frame may be of a basic biocompatible composition that may comprise suitable plastic, thermoplastic, synthetic, or natural materials which can be fabricated into a framework structure, thereby achieving the required structural integrity for its intended purpose. In a further embodiment, the frame further comprises an identification code. An identification code comprises an identifier placed on or made a part of a frame, and which may include, but is not limited to, a bar code, a number, a series of numbers, a color, a series of colors, a letter, a series of letters, a symbol, a series of symbols, and a combination thereof. The identification code may be used for one or more of tracking, locating, identifying, identifying the position of (e.g., as relative to a point of origin), and cataloging the cell culture apparatus having that identification code which is sought to be identified. While the identification code can be placed anywhere on the frame, preferably the identification code is placed on an edge of the frame. The culture chamber of the cell culture apparatus, such as formed by the frame and two membranes, is accessed by at least one resealable access port which extends between the outer surface of the frame and the chamber. The gas permeable membrane is capable of allowing transfer of gases into and out of the culture chamber, and provides an attachment surface which promotes even distribution of anchorage dependent cells, spatial efficiency, and conditions which can promote a high rate of cell growth in achieving a high cell density in a relatively short period of time as compared to conventional cell culture devices. In a preferred embodiment, the cell culture apparatus has a length in a range of from about 10 cm to about 13.5 cm, a width in a range of from about 7 cm to about 9 cm, and a height in a range of from about 0.2 cm to about 1.0 cm. In a most preferred embodiment, the cell culture device has a length of about 12.7 cm, a width of about 8.5 cm, and a height of about 0.58 cm.

[0014] In referring to FIGS. 1-2, provided is mailer 20 comprised of: a rigid housing comprised of a gas-permeable, absorbent material 31 which has a closed bottom portion 33 adapted to receive a cell culture device 24, and an openable and closable top panel 35; a liquid-impermeable layer (lining or coating) 37 adapted to seal fluids within the absorbent material 31; and liquid-impermeable, pressure sensitive adhesive 39. The mailer 20 may further comprise release liner 44 that extends over adhesive 39B on top panel 35. A containment system is formed within mailer 20 by surrounding the cell culture apparatus contained therein with absorbent material 31, by sealing such absorbent material 31 by lining the absorbent material (on the side opposite that which faces the cell culture apparatus) with a liquid-impermeable layer, and by forming a leak-proof seal between closed top panel 35 and bottom section 33 by using non-permanent, liquid-impermeable, pressure sensitive adhesive 39B. Preferably, via the containment system, a leak-proof closure of the mailer interior is obtained.

[0015] Absorbent material 31 is substantially rigid to provide the desired structural integrity for its intended purpose as a shipping container; e.g., retains its integrity during typical shipping and handling procedures, and thereby protects the cell culture apparatus enclosed therein from breaking. The absorbent material may be comprised of a material including, but not limited to, a natural cellulosic material, and a non-natural (e.g., manufactured) cellulosic material, known to those skilled in the art. Such materials are generally considered lightweight with respect to shipping costs. The absorbent material may be of a single construction or multi-ply form. Exemplary absorbent materials may comprise one or more of paperboard, cardboard, cellulosic fiberboard, and a rigid material formed of wet-strong long fibers (e.g., cellulosic fibers, each having a length of about 10 cm in its natural state). Preferably, the absorbent material is biodegradable (normal disposal) and combustible (if desired to be incinerated). In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent material has the absorbing capacity of at least two (2), and more preferably greater than three (3), times the maximum volume of liquid (e.g., fluid) capacity of the cell culture apparatus to be enclosed therein for shipping.

[0016] Absorbent material 31 of bottom section 33 is configured to so as to form recessed area 42 that is adapted to snugly receive cell culture apparatus 24 in permitting cell culture apparatus 24 to be readily inserted or removed. For example, where the dimensions of the cell culture apparatus to be shipped comprise a length of about 12.5 cm, a width of about 8.5 cm, and a height of about 0.58 cm, the dimensions of recessed area may comprise a length of about 12.8 cm, a width of about 8.7 cm, and a depth of about 0.6 mm. However, the dimensions may be varied depending on the user's needs. For example, in another embodiment, one or more additional sheets of an absorbent material (e.g., for extra cushioning and/or absorbent function) may be added to the mailer, and placed in contact with the cell culture apparatus, before sealingly enclosing the cell culture apparatus in the mailer. For example, one or more sheets of absorbent material may be formed to fit the bottom of the recessed area so as to be positioned between an inserted cell culture apparatus and the liquid impermeable layer. Additionally, or in the alternative, one or more sheets of absorbent material may be formed to fit the recessed area and to overlay an inserted cell culture apparatus so as to be positioned between an inserted cell culture apparatus and the top panel without interfering with the closure of top panel 35 and its being sealing secured to bottom section 33.

[0017] In referring to FIG. 2, lining the bottom of recessed area 42, and along the exterior walls of the absorbent material 31 that forms recessed area 42, is liquid-impermeable layer 37. With this arrangement, leakage of fluids in the recessed area is confined to the recessed area and surrounding absorbent material. Preferably, liquid-impermeable layer 37 is gas permeable. Materials that are liquid-impermeable and gas-permeable, and that may be assembled as a layer or applied as a coating (e.g., by spray or roller), are known in the art to include, but are not limited to, polystyrene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyolefin, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, a silicone copolymer, and other suitable polymers. For example, and in continuing reference to FIG. 2, liquid impermeable layer 37A may comprise a sealing coating over absorbent material 31; and liquid impermeable layer 37B may comprise a sheet that is adhesively secured to absorbent material by use of a permanent, liquid-impermeable, pressure sensitive adhesive 39A. A “permanent” adhesive has a well known, art recognized meaning to describe an adhesive which forms a strong bond with a substrate to which it is applied, so that neither the adhesive nor the material to which it is applied can be removed without damaging it or the material. substrate. “Pressure sensitive” has a well known, art recognized meaning to describe an adhesive which quickly bonds when contact pressure is applied to force the adhesive to contact the substrate; e.g., sufficient tack to adhere to a substrate using only light pressure, such as the amount of pressure administered with a hand. Conventional permanent, liquid impermeable, pressure sensitive adhesives are well known in the art to include, but are not limited to, acrylic-based adhesives, and rubber-based adhesives.

[0018] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, a non-permanent, liquid-impermeable, pressure sensitive adhesive 39B may be used for sealing and detachably securing top panel 35 to bottom section 33. In a preferred embodiment, nonpermanent, liquid-impermeable, pressure sensitive adhesive 39B is placed around substantially all of the surface area adjacent to the edges of top panel so that, upon closure of the top panel and in contacting the bottom section, adhesive 39B binds outward face 46 of the absorbent material that surrounds the opening of the recessed area in forming a leak-proof seal. A “non-permanent” adhesive has a well known, art recognized meaning to describe an adhesive which can be peeled off, together with the material onto which it is applied, from the substrate without damage to either the non-permanent adhesive or the substrate. Conventional liquid impermeable, pressure sensitive, non-permanent adhesives are well known in the art to include, but are not limited to, synthetic or natural rubber-based adhesive compositions, and acrylic-based adhesive compositions. In a preferred embodiment, release liner 44 is provided as a sheet or as a strip to protect adhesive 39B prior to detachably securing top panel 35 to bottom section 33. Release liner 44 protects the adhesive surface from collecting lint or dust or binding to a substrate which it is not intended to be adhered. A release liner, as known in the art, has a surface that is not very adherable by the adhesive which it covers, and thus is very releasable from the adhesive. Typical release liners are a paper or polymer film which may be coated with a release coating. Examples of release liner materials include, but are not limited to, paper, polyethylene-coated paper, polyethylene film, polyester film, polyvinyl film, polypropylene film, and the like. Release coatings may include, but are not limited to, a silicon compound such as a silanol-stopped dimethylpolysiloxane, or dimethylvinyl-stopped dimethylpolysiloxane.

[0019] Top panel 35 and bottom section 33 may be hinged together, along an edge of the top panel which is aligned with an abutted edge of the bottom section, and with hinge means 48 comprising a flexible tape or other hinge means, to provide the opening and closing transitional movements during use. In an alternative, top panel 35 and bottom section 33 may be integrally formed, and hinge means 48 may comprise folds or creases provided in the material used to form the top panel and bottom section. The mailer according to the present invention may further comprise a side pocket (e.g., formed by adhering a plastic pouch using a tape or adhesive) which may be secured on an exterior surface of either the top panel or bottom section, and into which may be placed one or more of a shipping receipt, shipping information, and information about the cells being shipped (e.g., type of cells, growth conditions, and the like).

[0020] A method for using the mailer according to the present invention comprises inserting a cell culture apparatus containing tissue culture medium (or other suitable fluid for maintaining the cells during the transit period) into the recessed area; removing the release liner from the non-permanent, liquid-impermeable, pressure sensitive adhesive (e.g., by peeling off the release liner so as to expose the non-permanent adhesive); and closing the top panel to contact the bottom section to seal and detachably secure top panel to bottom section. The method may further comprise placing the sealed mailer according to the present invention into a mailing envelope (e.g., paper or cardboard) upon which is placed the mailing address and postage, sealing the envelope having the mailer inside, and mailing the envelope to the mailing address. When received, the mailing addressee may open the mailer by grasping the top panel, and opening the top panel by applying sufficient force to overcome the non-permanent adhesive contact between the top panel and bottom section; and may then remove the cell culture apparatus from the recessed area of the mailer.

[0021] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, that the mailer according to the present invention may be expanded to have two or more recessed areas in having the capacity to hold more than one cell culture apparatus. Thus, “a cell culture apparatus” may be also viewed as plural when the mailer is constructed to accommodate more than one cell culture apparatus.

[0022] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration. In view of the descriptions and illustrations, others skilled in the art can, by applying, current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt the present invention for various applications without departing from the basic concept, and therefore such modifications and/or adaptations are intended to be within the meaning and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A mailer for shipping cells contained within a cell culture apparatus comprising: a housing comprised of a gas-permeable, absorbent material, wherein the housing has a bottom section having a recessed area adapted to receive the cell culture apparatus, wherein the housing has a top panel which is openable and closable with respect to the bottom section, and wherein the top panel may be detachably secured to the bottom section in forming a leak-proof seal; a liquid impermeable layer adapted to seal the absorbent material; and a liquid impermeable, pressure sensitive adhesive.
 2. The mailer according to claim 1, wherein the top panel further comprises a liquid impermeable, pressure sensitive, non-permanent adhesive for detachably securing the top panel to the bottom section.
 3. The mailer according to claim 2, further comprising a release liner which is detachably secured to the liquid impermeable, pressure sensitive, non-permanent adhesive.
 4. The mailer according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent material has the absorbing capacity of greater than 3 times the maximum liquid volume of the cell culture apparatus.
 5. The mailer according to claim 1, further comprising one or more additional sheets of absorbent material which are placed adjacent to, and in contact with, the cell culture apparatus inserted into the recessed area.
 6. The mailer according to claim 1, wherein the liquid impermeable layer is gas-permeable.
 7. The mailer according to claim 6, wherein the liquid impermeable layer is a coating.
 8. The mailer according to claim 6, wherein the liquid impermeable layer is a sheet which is adhesively secured to the absorbent material by use of a liquid impermeable, pressure sensitive, permanent adhesive.
 9. The mailer according to claim 1, wherein the mailer further comprises a hinge means for hinging together the top panel and bottom section.
 10. The mailer according to claim 1, wherein the mailer further comprises a side pouch secured to an exterior surface of the mailer.
 11. A mailer for shipping cells contained within a cell culture apparatus, wherein the mailer comprises a containment system that can absorb and contain within the mailer a fluid that may leak from the cell culture apparatus, and wherein the containment system comprises: an absorbent material that surrounds the cell culture apparatus; a liquid impermeable layer which seals the absorbent material so as to contain the fluid within the mailer; and a leak proof seal formed between a top panel of the mailer and a bottom section of the mailer, wherein the bottom section has a recessed area into which is inserted the cell culture apparatus, and wherein the top panel is detachably secured to the bottom section.
 12. A method of using the mailer according to claim 3, the method comprising: inserting a cell culture apparatus into the recessed area; removing the release liner from the liquid impermeable, pressure sensitive, non-permanent adhesive; and closing the top panel to contact the bottom section to seal and detachably secure the top panel to the bottom section. 